ADEC Starts Spot Checks On Private Schools

ADEC is spot checking Arabic and Islamic instruction in private schools around the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The move, is aimed at ensuring institutions are complying with UAE education policy on Arabic instruction and the teaching of Emirati culture, and will see compliance officers visit schools across the city. Although schools are fully inspected by ADEC every two years, ADEC recently told the National, “the council may inspect any school at any time as it sees necessary." Talking to the publication, one Abu Dhabi school official said, “we had the same officer visiting us twice this year…they go and check on the display board. If it’s related to the UAE, they’re going to go and check on classes, do class observation, check on the teacher. We do expect them always, because anytime they can pop in." All UAE private schools are required to teach Arabic Language, Islamic Studies and Social Studies. UAE Social Studies are a requirment for all students while Islamic Studies are mandatory for Muslim students from Year 1 to 12, yet for for non-Muslim students the subject remains optional. Brendan Law Principal at Cranleigh, told the National that the school has had to change its curriculum after a compliance inspection. As a result, the number of subjects taught at GCSE level will now be reduced to create room for Arabic. “Starting in the 2016-2017 academic year, students entering Year 10 will be required to study Arabic language in line with the Ministry of Education guidelines," said Law.